✓ Veterinarian Reviewed
Reviewed by Dr Gloria Ebeyer (BAVBS, DVM, Grad Cert SAECC, MANZCVS [Veterinary Practice])
Last reviewed: July 2026
Let’s face it: giving medication to cats can be a real struggle at the best of times. When you add a fussy cat into the mix, it can feel like a whole ordeal - but don’t fret! With the right approach (and a bit of patience), you can find ways to make the medication experience easier for your cat and yourself.
From blending their medication into food to wrapping them up like a burrito, keep reading for all our top tips on giving meds to cats.
Methods for medicating cats
Opting for liquids, pastes and topicals where possible
Tablets are often one of the most difficult forms of medication to give a cat—and many owners dislike administering them too.
If your cat refuses tablets, ask your vet whether the medication is available in another form. These include:
- Liquid medications: these can often be mixed directly into your cat's wet food or administered via an oral syringe
- Pastes: can also often be mixed into food or administered via an oral syringe
- Topicals and transdermal gels: medications that can be applied directly onto the cat’s skin to be absorbed into the body. In the case of transdermal gels, these are applied to the inside of a cat’s ear.
Remember that not all medications are available in multiple forms, so always ask for confirmation from your vet.
Keep a simple medication log noting each dose and the time it was given, especially if more than one person cares for your cat. This can help prevent missed or accidental double doses.
Blending into food
Some pills can be mixed in with food to make them more palatable. Before attempting to blend any pill or tablet with food, make sure to confirm with your vet that the medication won’t lose its effectiveness in the process.
The best approach is to use a small amount of high-value food (a premium wet food, pill pocket, etc) and mix the tablet in. Then simply watch to confirm they didn’t leave the pill behind or spit it out.
Crushing tablets and mixing into water
Before attempting this method, it is essential that you confirm with your vet if the medication can be safely crushed up. Some tablets are coated or time-released, and crushing them may affect how the medication is absorbed or make it taste even worse for your cat, resulting in a missed dose.
If your vet gives you the explicit go-ahead, you can crush up your cat’s tablet, mix it with water or tuna juice, draw it into an oral syringe, and then administer it that way.
Wrapping cat up in a towel like a burrito
The cat burrito towel wrap is a practical restraint method that can help make it easier to administer medications to anxious or wriggly cats. Although it gently restricts movement, being snugly wrapped may help some cats feel calmer and more secure.
The basic steps are as follows:
- Start by laying a towel flat on a table, bench or floor - a slightly thinner, well-worn towel is easier to handle than a thick, fluffy one.
- Place your cat in the middle of the towel, with their head positioned just back from one edge.
- Gently encourage your cat to lie down (or keep them standing if they strongly resist), using calm, steady pressure rather than force.
- Fold one side of the towel over your cat's body, tucking it underneath them, much like wrapping a parcel.
- Bring the same corner around the front and under the chin, so it sits snugly around the neck area.
- Wrap the other side of the towel over the top, tucking it underneath on the opposite side, so the cat is fully enclosed.
- Check the fit to ensure it’s snug enough that they can't wriggle a leg free, but loose enough to breathe comfortably (you should be able to slip a couple of fingers between the towel and their body).
- Leave only the head exposed so you can administer the medication.
- Reward your cat afterwards with a treat or praise to help them build a positive association with the towel over time.
Getting a helping hand
Obviously, medicating a cat can be much easier when you have someone to help out. One person can administer the medication while the other holds the cat securely. This is especially useful when handling larger or more determined cats.
Calming a stressed cat
Fussiness can also just be a result of your cat feeling stressed. So, taking small steps to help create a calmer environment may help make the process a more pleasant one for you and them. Keep the following tips in mind:
- Remain calm and confident, as cats can pick up on your stress.
- Choose a quiet time, away from established meal and rest times, so medicating isn't associated with a stressful disruption to their usual routines.
- Give a reward (treat, praise, playtime) afterwards to build a positive association over time.
- If your cat becomes significantly distressed, pause and try again later rather than forcing the process, which may increase their stress and distrust.
When to ask for help
If medicating your cat proves to be a consistent struggle, even with someone helping out, it’s worth discussing these challenges with your vet. Remember that these difficulties are not a failure on your part at all - some cats are just very determined and stubborn.
Your vet can show you how to give a cat medicine safely and confidently. They may also recommend helpful tools, suggest alternative medication forms or administer longer-lasting medication during your visit.
Struggling to medicate your cat? Book a consultation with your local Petstock Vet today for tailored advice and support.